International Election Observation Jacques Drouin September 8, 2011

2 Presentation 1.The principles of a fair, honest election and the main steps in an election process 2.Election observation: Principles and ethics 3.Preparing an election observation mission 4.Election observation mission procedure

3 Freedom of expression and freedom of association Right to meet and right to equality Free and secret vote Fair, neutral and transparent election authorities 1.1 Principles of a fair and honest election

4 Voter registration Candidate registration Election campaign Poll Counting of votes Official publication of results 1.2 Main steps in an election process

5 2. Election observation: Principles and ethics 1.Objectives of election observation missions 2.Best election observation conditions 3.Observers’ characteristics 4.Observers’ code of ethics 5.Challenges facing observers

6 2.1 Objectives of election observation missions To promote transparency in the election process To assess the integrity and credibility of the election process To reinforce voter and candidate trust To help ensure acceptance of the outcome To witness the polling procedure

7 2.2 Conditions of success for election observation Observers invited and accredited by the host country Internationally-known organization (UN, EU, OIF, OAS, COPA, etc.) Freedom of movement, freedom of observation Respect for host country’s sovereignty and current legislation

8 2.3 Observers’ qualities Independent mindset, impartiality and objectivity Knowledge of electoral rules and techniques Knowledge of the host country and its electoral system * * * * * * * *Election observation by Members of Parliament*

9 2.4 Observers’ code of ethics Act neutrally Respect the country’s sovereignty Avoid situations involving conflicts of interest Relations with the media Draft the mission report accurately and objectively

Challenges for observers Preparation time Deployment, use of time and duration of the mission Collecting accurate, valid and representative information Consensus building

11 3. Preparing an observation mission 1.Knowledge of the host country 2.Knowledge of the legal, political and electoral context

Knowledge of the host country Political history and election history Current economic and political situation Features of the civil society Interventions by foreign countries and multilateral organizations Climate and geography

Knowledge of the legal, political and electoral context Familiarity with: –Legal texts –The political and judicial system –The election schedule –The organization administering the election –What happened during previous elections

14 4. Observation mission procedure 1.Types of observation mission 2.Activities prior to polling day 3.Observation activities on polling day 4.Activities following polling day

Types of observation missions Long-term –Small group of experts –Arriving several weeks prior to the poll –Helping to coordinate the short-term mission Short-term –Many observers –Arriving one week before polling day –Training on election observation and political issues –Meetings with political parties and the civil society –Deployment for observation on polling day –Press release and mission report

Activities prior to polling day Two to five days before polling day –Updating of knowledge –Training –Analysis of election climate –Contacts with political parties –Observation of pre-election activities

17 4.3Observation activities on polling day Formation of teams of observers Deployment of observers throughout the country Observation: –Opening and layout of polling stations –Conduct of election officers –Conduct of voters –Opening of ballot boxes –Counting of ballots and dissemination of results

18 4.3Observation activities on polling day Location and opening times of polling stations Composition of polling station Are the ballot boxes empty and sealed? Comprehensive nature of list of electors and electors’ cards? Obstruction, intimidation or violence? Waiting time? Is the vote secret? Is there a vote-buying system? Closing time of polling stations During polling:

19 4.3Observation activities on polling day Who is present and who can observe the count? Are the election officers familiar with the rules, and do they apply them? Are unused or spoilt ballots compiled? How are the reports and results sent? How are the results centralized and compiled? Is there a legal contestation process? How are the results certified? During the count:

Activities following polling day One to three days after polling day –Are there any legal complaints? –Have the results been accepted? –Post-poll meeting of observers –Preparation and distribution of the press release In the weeks following the mission –Preparation of the report (remote)

21 Thank you for your attention Electoral List Central African Republic 2011 Polling Booth Niger 2011 Vote Mexico 2009 Count Central African Republic 2011 Recording Bolivia 2009 Centralization of Results Chad 2011